We are very happy to announce our participation in the new Children and Democracy Network, initiated by the Child Rights International Network (CRIN).
Two weeks ago the network was launched, with inspiring stories from youngsters, telling about their experiences in different participatory and deliberative processes. Their voices are crucial. Not just one or two who are framed to ‘represent the youth’, but young people as an integral part of democratic and political processes.
Yves Dejaeghere, executive director of FIDE – Europe, gave a personal speech, telling about his experience as a young person getting involved in democracy, as a young president of the Youth Council in his community, and by writing opinion articles to share his visions. These changes don’t come falling out of the sky, we need others to help young people, by taking them seriously in every aspect of life, also public life.
The Children and Democracy Network consists of 130 people from 34 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. The members will come together once a month. The network will be an active, participatory and collaborative group as we all have so much to learn from each other.
Many thanks to Katie Reid and Lianne Minasian from CRIN for their inspiration and leadership in bringing this network of dedicated people together.